Festive & Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crafting a festive cheesy christmas tree bread brings joy to holiday gatherings with its whimsical design.

Spiraling dough creates a magical centerpiece that sparks conversation among guests.

Soft, golden layers promise delectable bites filled with melted cheese and savory herbs.

Warm kitchen aromas will instantly transport you to cozy winter memories.

Families adore this playful twist on traditional bread that feels like edible art.

Seasonal gatherings become more delightful when you present this stunning bread centerpiece.

This recipe guarantees smiles and excitement around the dinner table.

How to Shape, Fill, and Bake Tree-Shaped Bread

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Surface

Warm the oven to 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape The Dough

Dust a clean countertop with flour. Roll out pizza dough smoothly. Slice the dough into 14 equal portions.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Dough Balls

• Mozzarella cube
• Center the cheese
• Wrap dough tightly
• Seal all edges completely

Step 4: Arrange Tree Formation

• Bottom row: 5 dough balls
• Second row: 4 dough balls
• Third row: 3 dough balls
• Fourth row: 2 dough balls
• Top row: 1 dough ball
• Add an extra dough ball as the trunk

Step 5: Bake The Bread

Place the tree in the preheated oven. Bake until golden brown, approximately 18-20 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Flavor Coating

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Finish And Garnish

Brush the warm bread with the seasoned butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Present the bread warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Watch guests pull apart this delightful holiday treat!

Pro Tips for Melty, Golden Holiday Bread

• Seal Dough Perfectly: Pinch edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring each ball stays intact and filled with melty mozzarella.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare dough balls up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate before arranging in tree shape, saving time during holiday party prep.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese to create unique flavor variations that suit different tastes.
• Control Browning Technique: Cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking if tree browns too quickly, maintaining an even golden color without burning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or almond flour dough for guests with dietary restrictions.

How to Reheat and Serve with Style

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Warm bread at 350F (175C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy exterior and melty cheese. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Heat individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. Beware of potential texture changes and potential cheese leakage.
• Wrap bread tightly in freezer-safe wrap, store up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Snack Pairings That Shine with Holiday Bread

• Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the cheesy, garlicky flavors of the Christmas tree bread, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Prepare marinara sauce, herbed olive oil, and garlic aioli as dipping companions that enhance the bread's savory profile and provide delightful flavor variations.
• Serve a winter kale salad with pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts to balance the bread's warmth, adding fresh texture and a pop of holiday color to the meal.
• Choose a festive prosecco or sparkling apple cider to bring effervescence and celebratory spirit that complements the bread's cheesy, buttery character.

Holiday Bread Variations Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Festive Tree: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheese Christmas Tree: Swap mozzarella cubes with vegan cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese for plant-based eaters.
• Low-Carb Holiday Bread: Use fathead dough made with almond flour, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Jalapeño Festive Bread: Mix chopped jalapeños into the dough balls for a hot and zesty holiday appetizer.

Answers to Your Christmas Tree Bread Questions

• What ingredients do I need to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

You’ll need pizza dough, mozzarella cheese cubes, butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes, and marinara sauce for dipping.

• Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time during holiday cooking. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for easier handling.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while forming the dough balls?

Roll the dough tightly around the mozzarella cube and pinch the edges firmly to create a complete seal. This helps keep the cheese inside during baking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids will love the fun tree shape, cheesy filling, and dipping sauce. It’s a great interactive holiday recipe that children can help prepare.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Made to Impress

• Transforms ordinary pizza dough into a stunning Christmas tree-shaped bread that instantly becomes a conversation starter at holiday gatherings.
• Quick 30-minute recipe delivers delicious cheesy bread balls that are easy to pull apart, making it ideal for casual get-togethers and potluck events.
• Simple step-by-step process allows children to help arrange dough balls, making it a fun family cooking activity that creates delightful memories.
• Flexible recipe lets you adjust seasonings, add different cheeses, or sprinkle extra toppings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for This Festive Bread Pull-Apart

• Pizza Dough: Soft and pliable base for creating the Christmas tree shape, pre-made or homemade works great.
• Flour: Light dusting to prevent sticking when rolling out dough.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy center that melts perfectly inside each dough ball, choose fresh and firm cubes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor when sprinkled on top, grated or shredded version works well.

• Butter: Melted to create a flavorful coating, unsalted preferred for better flavor control.
• Garlic Powder: Provides intense garlic flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds aromatic Mediterranean touch.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the bread.
• Parsley: Fresh green garnish that adds color and light herbal note.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy sprinkle for heat lovers.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic dipping sauce that complements the cheesy bread.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Christmas spirit meets culinary magic in this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, a festive appetizer that brings holiday cheer to your table. Crafted with golden, herb-flecked dough and melted cheese, this edible centerpiece will delight guests and spark joyful celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (13.8 ounces / 391 grams) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 14 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ½-inch each)
• ¼ cup marinara sauce, for dipping

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dust a clean work surface with flour and gently stretch the pizza dough into a flat rectangle.
3. Divide the dough precisely into 14 uniform pieces using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
4. Position a single mozzarella cube at the center of each dough piece.
5. Carefully fold and pinch the dough around each cheese cube, creating tight, sealed spherical shapes.
6. Construct a festive tree design on the prepared baking sheet: layer 5 dough balls at the base, followed by 4 balls in the next row, then 3, 2, and finally 1 ball at the tree’s peak.
7. Place an additional dough ball beneath the tree to represent the trunk.
8. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the bread achieves a rich golden-brown color.
9. While bread bakes, combine melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and Parmesan in a small mixing bowl.
10. Immediately after removing from the oven, generously brush the warm bread with the seasoned butter mixture.
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes over the top for added color and flavor.
12. Serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Ensure dough balls are tightly sealed to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough or substitute with cauliflower crust.
• Transform this appetizer into a vegetarian-friendly dish by using plant-based cheese alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg